xiry.

Development · List

SaaS Starter Stack (Tim Bennetto)

A founder-tested 11-tool tech and operations stack for bootstrapping a SaaS.

From the Xiry library · Updated 11 October 2026

This reference list outlines eleven tools covering each core layer required to launch and operate a SaaS product, curated by founder Tim Bennetto. It maps specific, battle-tested services to functional needs ranging from database and hosting to customer support and affiliate management. It serves as a practical, low-friction blueprint for indie hackers looking to avoid decision fatigue.

The list

  • MongoDB (@MongoDB) — database
  • Nuxt.js (@nuxt_js) — code
  • Stripe (@stripe) — subscriptions
  • Render (@render) — servers
  • Canny (@cannyHQ) — feedback
  • Crisp (@crisp_im) — support
  • ImageKit (@ImagekitIo) — CDN
  • Plausible (@PlausibleHQ) — analytics
  • Cronitor (@cronitorio) — events
  • Rewardful (@getRewardful) — affiliates
  • SendGrid (@SendGrid) — email API

What it's for

  • Select foundational infrastructure and third-party tools when building a new SaaS
  • Find reliable services offering generous free tiers to bootstrap an MVP with minimal upfront costs
  • Audit an existing web app stack to fill operational gaps like affiliate tracking or user feedback

Key points

  • Core database and web framework recommendations (MongoDB, Nuxt.js)
  • Infrastructure and delivery services (Render for hosting, ImageKit for CDN)
  • Payment and affiliate marketing setup (Stripe, Rewardful)
  • Customer engagement and support tooling (Crisp for chat, Canny for feedback)
  • Operations monitoring and analytics (Plausible for privacy-friendly metrics, Cronitor for events)
  • Transactional communications infrastructure (SendGrid email API)

Pricing

Freemium. Most recommended services offer free tiers to start

Details

Type
List
Category
Development
Topic
Tech Stacks
Open source
No
Platforms
Web
For
Indie hackers, solo founders, and web developers building a SaaS
Tags
saas, tech stack, indie hacking, bootstrapping, web development

Why it was saved

  • @Timb03, 3 October 2023: Gives a ready-made, founder-tested choice for every layer of a SaaS product (data, frontend, payments, hosting, feedback, support, CDN, analytics, events, affiliates, email), most with free plans

Related

Updated